Former England fly-half and rugby pundit Stuart Barnes recently made a bold statement, declaring that he would choose Marcus Smith over Beauden Barrett as the top fly-half in rugby at this moment. Despite Barrett’s impressive career with over a hundred New Zealand caps, Barnes believes that Smith has surpassed him in skill and performance.
Barnes praised Barrett’s overall career and acknowledged his status as one of the great modern players. However, he expressed his belief that Barrett is past his prime, while Smith represents the future of the game. Barnes pointed out that while Barrett has been a dazzling player, Smith’s potential to bring a new dimension to England’s game makes him the preferred choice.
The debate over New Zealand’s fly-half position has been ongoing, with Richie Mo’unga’s departure to Japan leaving a gap that Barrett and Damian McKenzie have been vying to fill. Barnes criticized Barrett’s current form, noting that he lacks the exceptional pace and flair that once made him a standout player. Despite McKenzie’s initial struggles in the role, Barrett seems set to continue as the starting fly-half for New Zealand.
Barnes also highlighted the efforts by New Zealand Rugby to bring Mo’unga back from Japan, indicating the uncertainty surrounding the fly-half position. While Barrett and McKenzie are the current contenders, Barnes remains skeptical of Barrett’s ability to lead New Zealand to success in future competitions.
In contrast, Smith has been making a strong impression with his performances, having started in games against the All Blacks and earning a spot in England’s XV lineup for the upcoming match at Twickenham. Even with the return of George Ford, Smith has retained his position as the starting fly-half, with Ford available as backup. Barnes expressed confidence in Smith’s abilities, predicting that he will outshine Barrett in their anticipated matchup.
As the debate continues over the best fly-half in rugby, Barnes’ comments have sparked discussions about the future of the position and the potential impact of rising stars like Marcus Smith. While Barrett’s legacy in the sport is undeniable, the emergence of young talents signals a changing of the guard in the world of rugby. Smith’s performance in upcoming matches will be closely watched as he seeks to solidify his position as a top fly-half on the international stage.